Currently, a large number of people suffer from osteochondrosis. Many of them don't even know about the existing problem. During this time, if you do not start treatment on time, complications will arise that will be felt for the rest of your life. Osteochondrosis, like many other diseases, "rejuvenates" and dramatically worsens the quality of life, causing it to fall out of its usual rhythm.
In our article we will learn a little more about the disease itself, as well as dwell in detail on the medical method of its treatment.
Osteochondrosis and its types
Osteochondrosis is a deformation of the articular cartilage, bone tissue of the spine, and intervertebral discs.
Osteochondrosis occurs:
- lumbar (lumbosacral),
- cervical,
- chest.
Causes of osteochondrosis:
- standing march,
- curvature of the spine,
- spinal injury,
- flat feet,
- frequent heavy lifting,
- frequent changes in the position of the torso,
- prolonged stay in awkward positions,
- overload of the spine,
- physical inactivity and obesity,
- malnutrition,
- stressful conditions.
Stages in the development of osteochondrosis
- Due to some changes in the intervertebral disc, instability of the vertebrae occurs. The spine is very prone to injury.
- The onset of destruction of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc occurs. The intervertebral gap decreases.
- The annulus fibrosus ruptures. The nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc protrudes. Due to the formation of an intervertebral hernia, a deformation of the spine is caused.
- A pronounced pain syndrome occurs. Due to the formation of bone growths and ossification of the ligaments of the spine, movement becomes limited.
Symptoms of osteochondrosis
Lumbar region (lumbosacral)
- Constant back pain.
- Sensation of pain and numbness in the limbs.
- Decreased physical activity.
- Increased pain with sudden movements, weight lifting, exercise, sneezing and coughing.
Cervical region
- Pain in arms and shoulders, headache.
- Vertebral artery syndrome (burning sensation, headache, dizziness, noise in the head, colored spots and "flies" in front of the eyes).
Chest
- Pain in internal organs, especially in the chest (“stake” in the chest) and the heart region.
Diagnosis determination
The diagnosis is made during an appointment with a neurologist based on the patient's complaints (pain syndrome, limited mobility, etc. ). The spine is examined by him in the position of the patient standing, sitting and lying (at rest and in motion). When examining the back, special attention is paid to posture, structural features of the torso, lower angles of the shoulder blades, lateral contours of the neck and waist, the position of the shoulder belts, etc. After that, the doctor usually directs the patient to an X-ray, computed tomography or MRI scan, with the help of which the diagnosis is clarified and made concrete, the degree of damage is determined and hidden deviations from the norm are revealed. Based on the data obtained, the neurologist prescribes the appropriate treatment. As a rule, this is a complex therapy, which includes the use of drugs, massage, exercise therapy and other methods.
Therapeutic exercises for osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine
Treatment of osteochondrosis with drugs
To begin with, it should be noted that at the initial stage of the development of osteochondrosis, in some cases, you can do without medication. It will be enough to use curative gymnastics, all kinds of applicators, as well as reduce the loads and eliminate other causes of the disease. If the symptoms gain strength and studies have shown characteristic changes, drugs should be used to influence both the cause and the symptoms of osteochondrosis.
Treatment of osteochondrosis with drugs is indicated during the period of its exacerbation and is aimed at relieving the inflammatory process, relieving pain and improving metabolic processes due to internal intake or administration of drugsby injection.
Since osteochondrosis is a systemic disease that adversely affects various organs and systems, its treatment should be comprehensive. Medications for the treatment of osteochondrosis perform the following tasks:
- pain relief,
- elimination of inflammation,
- improvement of blood circulation to affected tissues,
- cartilage restoration,
- restoration of joint mobility,
- elimination of depression caused by constant pain.
So what drugs can be prescribed by a neurologist to treat osteochondrosis?
- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
Eliminates inflammation and pain. They are used externally (gel, cream), internally (capsules, tablets), as well as in the form of injections (intramuscular, intravenous, subcutaneous).
- Vasodilators (vasodilators).
Due to muscle tension and pain in osteochondrosis, narrowing of the blood vessels occurs. In order to avoid undesirable consequences in this context, the doctor may prescribe vasodilator drugs for a better restorative effect.
- Muscle relaxants (muscle relaxants).
Muscle relaxants have a relaxing and calming effect on the muscles. The healing process without drugs of this group proceeds more slowly, because due to their properties blood circulation is normalized, pain sensations are dulled, mobility returns, and the affected tissues recover faster.
- Chondroprotectors.
Chondroprotectors no longer give destruction, they stabilize the condition. Taking chondroprotectors is long-term, lifelong, the effect occurs after treatment for at least 6 months. Chondroprotectors are used externally, internally, and as injections.
- glucosamine
- chondroitin
- glucosamine + chondroitin
- glucosamine + chondroitin + vitamins
- Sedatives (sedatives).
Long-term pain syndrome can trigger stress and depression. In this case, valerian, motherwort, combined herbal preparations are prescribed. For more serious disorders, antidepressants are used and hypnotics are used to improve the process of falling asleep and the quality of sleep.
- Vitamins and vitamin-mineral complexes.Vitamins B
are here of great importance, as they are able to restore the sensitivity of the affected nerve fibers and reduce pain.
For the purpose of general strengthening of the body, vitamin and mineral complexes may also be prescribed.